Internal medicine doctors, also called internists, are primary care physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases. Internists may subspecialize in a particular area of internal medicine, such as cardiology, respiratory diseases, and gastroenterology. Internal medicine doctors also provide continuing care for patients with chronic illnesses.
There are many adult-specific illnesses and diseases that internal medicine doctors are knowledgeable about and trained in treating. Below are some of the most common conditions treated by internal medicine doctors.
Respiratory Diseases
- Asthma – This is a chronic lung condition that causes wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Asthma can be triggered by stress, weather changes, respiratory infections, or exercise. Treatment involves avoiding triggers, using inhaled bronchodilators or steroids when needed for quick relief from symptoms, and taking long-term control medications to prevent future attacks.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – This is a group of progressive lung diseases that make it difficult to breathe due to obstruction in the airways. Examples of COPD include emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which both impair lung function and cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Quitting smoking, taking medications, and pulmonary rehabilitation are used to treat COPD.
Cardiovascular Disease
- Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. It occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries and makes it difficult for blood to flow through them. In addition to lifestyle changes, your doctor may also recommend medications to treat coronary artery diseases, such as beta-blockers, statins, ACE inhibitors, or calcium channel blockers.
- High blood pressure – Often referred to as “hypertension,” high blood pressure is another common cardiovascular condition. It occurs when the force exerted by your blood against vessel walls becomes too high over time. This increased force puts strain on your vessels, which can damage them, eventually leading to serious health complications like stroke, kidney problems, or even early death. Lifestyle changes and medications can help manage high blood pressure.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that causes a person’s blood sugar level to rise to higher than normal levels. Doctors treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes differently. Type 1 is treated with daily doses of insulin, whereas type 2 may be managed through lifestyle changes like diet and exercise alone, or with oral medication or insulin therapy, if necessary.
These are just some of the most common conditions treated by internal medicine doctors. Many more medical conditions affect adults, which internists are well-trained to treat or manage through comprehensive primary care services.
Internal Medicine Doctor in The Bronx, NY
Our board-certified and award-winning internal medicine provider at Starling Diagnostics is Dr. Newaz Hossain, who can provide for all your adult primary care medical needs. Dr. Hossain is proud to serve the community of Parkchester and does so with great respect and compassion. Let Dr. Hossain know of your condition, and he will create a treatment plan that helps you feel and live better. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hossain, call our office today at (718) 319-1610 or use our convenient online request form. For better health management, choose Starling Diagnostics for your care.
